Physics and Astronomy News Archive: January 2009

Image: Do Seasons Arrive 2 Days Earlier?

Do Seasons Arrive 2 Days Earlier?

Source: Berkeley   Posted: 1/28/09

Not only has the average global temperature increased in the past 50 years, but the hottest day of the year has shifted nearly two days earlier, according to a new study by scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, and Harvard University.
Image: International Year of Astronomy Kicks Off

International Year of Astronomy Kicks Off

Source: NSF   Posted: 1/28/09

The grand opening ceremony of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA 2009) was held at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris, France, on Jan. 15 and 16, 2009. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has devoted millions of dollars to underwrite IYA 2009 activities and initiatives.
Image: New Study Resolves Mystery of How Massive Stars Form

New Study Resolves Mystery of How Massive Stars Form

Source: UCSC   Posted: 1/28/09

A study published this week by Science shows how the growth of a massive star can proceed despite outward-flowing radiation pressure that exceeds the gravitational force pulling material inward.
Image: Physicists Discover Surprising Variation in Superconductors

Physicists Discover Surprising Variation in Superconductors

Source: MIT   Posted: 1/28/09

MIT physicists have discovered that several high-temperature superconductors display patchwork quilt-like variations at the atomic scale, a surprising finding that could help scientists understand a new class of unconventional materials.